nguvu
The Swahili word for power is nguvu.
nguvu refers to the ability to affect or influence, but it is also the standard term used for physical strength or energy.
Meaning: ability to affect or influence (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
nguvu is an invariant noun, which means it does not change its form to indicate whether it is singular or plural. To express the phrase 'the power of [something]', use the construction nguvu ya followed by the noun.
Did you know?
- In many East African contexts, nguvu is used to describe the 'strength' of a flavor or a smell, rather than just political or physical power.
- In poetic or oratorical Swahili, nguvu is often paired with busara ('wisdom') to suggest that power is incomplete or dangerous without intellect.
- In Swahili, if you want to describe someone as 'powerful' in a physical sense, you often say they have nguvu za ajabu, which literally translates to 'strange power' or 'extraordinary power'.
Examples in context
- Nguvu ya jua ni chanzo safi cha nishati.Solar power is a clean source of energy.This sentence illustrates the use of nguvu regarding a source of energy.Tatoeba #10869435 by ecorralest101, translation #4241443 by Hybrid
- Nchi yao ni bandia ya nguvu ya Magharibi.Their country is a puppet of a Western power.This sentence shows nguvu being used to describe a political power.Tatoeba #10872527 by ecorralest101, translation #4629508 by nonong
- Sheria daima hupunguza kila nguvu inayopeana.The law always limits every power it gives.This sentence demonstrates how nguvu is used in the context of legal limitations.Tatoeba #10855867 by ecorralest101, translation #3070823 by carlosalberto
- John alionyesha nguvu zake alipoendesha shirika kwa ufanisi.John demonstrated his power when he efficiently managed the organization.
- Anita ana mamlaka katika mjadala wa kisiasa.Anita has power in the political debate.
- Rais anaonyesha madaraka yake katika uongozi wa nchi.The President displays his power in governing the country.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Bakari and Zuwena are discussing local politics.
- BakariKiongozi huyu ana nguvu nyingi katika kijiji chetu.This leader has a lot of power in our village.
- ZuwenaNdiyo, lakini watu wamechoka na utawala wake.Yes, but the people are tired of his rule.
- BakariJe, unafikiri nguvu yake itapotea mwaka huu?Do you think his power will fade this year?
- ZuwenaNinaamini kuwa mabadiliko yanakuja hivi karibuni.I believe that changes are coming soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “power” translations and entries nguvu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
